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Why Instructional Designers Are the Master Chefs of Online Learning
Just because someone has access to a kitchen and ingredients doesn’t make them a chef. The same is true for course creation. While many professionals have access to tools, like the many features of Brightspace, and plenty of content at their fingertips, turning those raw materials into an engaging, effective learning…
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Using AI to create branching scenarios
If you're new to branching scenarios (choose-your-own-adventure learning experiences), you may want to check out an earlier post A Bird, Some Berries and Lots of Branching Scenarios. If you're familiar with branching scenarios already and are looking for a way to develop them more quickly with AI, stay right here! With…
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Sound Advice: Enhancing Course Narration Through Better Audio
In online learning, audio quality plays a pivotal—yet often underestimated—role in learner engagement and comprehension. Clean, clear narration helps learners focus, reduces cognitive strain, and supports a more professional, polished learning experience. Whether you're an instructional designer, educator, or content…
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ChatGPT and Bloom’s Taxonomy: What AI Can and Can’t Do
As Instructional Designers, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming more integrated into our workflows. While this is happening, many of us are asking: How can we use these tools and what are their limitations? With AI increasingly assisting in tasks like content development, learning objective generation, and feedback…
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In-Person, Blended, and Fully Online Learning in K–12 Education: A Closer Look
As education continues to evolve, K–12 schools are adopting a variety of instructional formats to meet diverse student needs. The three primary models—in-person, blended, and fully online learning—each offer unique experiences for students, families, and educators. Understanding the strengths and challenges of each…
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HTML Template Library
A well-designed digital platform is essential for engaging audiences and ensuring a seamless user experience. One way Learning Services helps clients achieve this is through the use of HTML Templates. However, we know that not every project has the resources for a fully custom HTML design. That’s why we’ve created the HTML…
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Weaving Social Learning into the Fabric of Online Courses
If you’ve been designing online courses for a while, you’ve probably wondered: how can I replicate the organic, spontaneous social interaction of in-person learning in an asynchronous online environment? You can lay out great content, structure modules beautifully, even add interactive elements—but giving learners…
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Fostering Engaging and Authentic Interactions with the Brightspace Discussion Tool
Online learning offers remarkable flexibility and access—but without intentional design, learners can drift into isolation or disengagement. Enter Discussions: a powerful tool for connection, when used well. In Brightspace, Discussions can become more than a course requirement—they can be the beating heart of an engaged,…
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Top Tips for Using Rubrics in Brightspace
Using rubrics for assessments benefits learners and instructors. For the learners, it clarifies expectations and provides more focused and consistent feedback. For instructors, it streamlines grading, saves time, and makes it easier to arrive at an accurate grade. Whether you're new to using rubrics in assessments, or…
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Empathy in Instructional Design: A Rising Tide
Imagine a ship at sea that struggles against an ill-directed wind and an unfavourable current. It would be a foolish Captain that toils to change the sea and sky. Instead, a wise Captain adjusts the sails to suit the conditions. The progress may be slower than they’d like, but fathom by fathom, the ship moves forward.…
